Wire coiling and interweaving mechanism



Jan. 25, 1938. P. F. FROST ET A1.

WIRE COILING AND INTERWEAVING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 18, 1956 arml INVENTOR aff/demon l F l l l l l l l l I Il BY J0 Patented Jan. 25, 1938 WIRE COILING AND INTERWEAVING MIECHANISM Parmenas F. Frost, Mount Vernon, N. Y., and John C. Anderson, Keyport, N. `J.

Application February 18, 1936, Serial No. 64,426

10 Claims. (Cl. 140-8) This invention relates to improvements in coiling mechanism used in making and interweaving coiled wires in the manufacture of wire netting and more particularly to improvements in coiling mechanism for making and interweaving coiled wire netting in which the coils are flattened.

Heretofore many types of mechanisms have been used for the manufacture of flattened coiled wire netting, but all of such mechanisms have been so constructed as to present definite limitations as to the angularity of the coils, etc. In

other words, the mechanisms have been so constructed that the maximum angle at which the wires can be coiled has been approximately 45. When attempts have been made to increase the angle to say 60, the resultant friction set up in the mechanism has been so great as to practically prevent operation of the mechanism on any but very small wire.

An object of the present invention is to provide mechanism for coiling and interweaving wire into netting of such construction that the angle at which the wire is coiled can be considerably increased beyond that posslble in prior practice.

Another object of the invention is to provide in mechanism of the foregoing character, an auxiliary member moving in synchronism with the customary mandrel for aiding said mandrel in advancing wire through the die.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for facilitating the introduction of wire into a die groove of relatively wide angularity.

Another additional object of the invention is to provide a forming die in which the groove is of a relatively wide angularity throughout the major portion of the length thereof and is of a diierent angularity at the entrance thereof, to facilitate introduction of the wire into the forming groove.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a mandrel for use in connection with a forming die having a forming groove of relatively wide angularity, such mandrel having a portion thereof twisted adjacent the entry end of the groove to facilitate the introduction of wire thereinto.

The mechanism. embodied in the preferred form of the present invention comprises a spirally grooved die held in stationary position by some suitable clamp mechanism at the respective ends thereof; a mandrel rotatable within the die; and a sleeve encircling the major portion of the die and arranged to rotate in synchronism with the mandrel. rIhe mandrel is in the form substantially of a flat blade; and the sleeve is provided with diametrically opposite grooves extending longitudinally thereof in alignment with the edges of the mandrel. Suitable mechanism is provided for rotating the mandrel and the sleeve in synchronism. The die preferably has a cylindrical wall of slightly less thickness than the diameter of the wire to be coiled. Due to the relative alignment of the edges cf the mandrel and the grooves in the rotating sleeve, that portion of the wire extending through the groove of the die can fit in the grooves of the sleeve, and since the mandrel and sleeve are rotated in synchronism, it follows that the rotating grooves materially aid the mandrel in forcing the wire through the die. As the result of this cooperation between the mandrel and the sleeve, it is possible to increase the angularity of the spiral groove in the die so that the coiled wire has the turns thereof at a relatively great angle. When the coiled wire is interwoven, it follows that the distance between engaged loops in one plane is considerably greater than the distance between the engaged loops in the other plane. To facilitate the introduction of the wire into the spiral groove of the desired angularity, either one of two expedientscan be used. In one form of the invention the die has the major portion thereof at the desired wide angle, while the groove at the end of introduction of the wire is of a different angularity more in keeping with that ordinarily used in prior practice. This modified angularity of the groove exists for such Aa distance ofl the groove as to introduce a loop of the wire into a groove in the sleeve, after which the die groove extends at the desired angularity, In another form of the invention the mandrel is provided with a twisted portion positioned at the entry end of the die, which twisted portion serves the same function as the modified angularity of die groove.

Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description thereof read in the light of the accompanying drawing, where- Fig. 1 is a side elevation, partially in section, of mechanism embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical section taken substantially on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical section taken substantially on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a twisted mandrel used in one embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary showing of a die used in the invention.

Referring now to the drawing, I0 indicates a cylindrical or tubular die member which is provided with a spiral groove II extending completely lengthwise thereof and cut completely through the wall of the die. The respective ends of the die IU are clamped in supports I2 and I4 which may lextend upwardly from a suitable base I5. Surrounding rings I2 and I4are secured to the die by set screws. The supports I2 and I4 are in the form of split rings which can be drawn together by a suitable nut and bolt arrangement I6 passing through upstanding ears sleeve is of such length as to t closely between` the locking rings I2 and I4', yet be capable of rotation about the die. The inner surface of the sleeve 20 is provided `with diametrically opposite longitudinally extending grooves 2l. The purpose of these grooves will be explained later. Secured to the sleeve is a cog wheel 22 around which passes a chain belt 24, also passing over a similar wheel 25 on a countershaft 26.

Spaced from the support I2 is a head 30 within which is rotatably mounted a power shaft 3| in axial alignment with the die I0. Some suitable source of power may be utilized for rotating the shaft 3l. This shaft h-as one end thereof split for the reception of one end of a flat blade-like mandrel 32, which mandrel can be locked in place by means of a screw 34 in the customary fashion. The end of the shaft 3| has a cog Wheel 35 thereon over which passes a chain belt 36, also passing over a similar cog wheel 31 on the countershaft 36. By this arrangement it will Ice-,evident that when the shaft 3l is rotated to yrptate the mandrel 32, which extends completely .through and beyond the die I0, the sleeve 20 will be rotated in synchronism with the mandrel.

;In the assembly of the component parts of the mechanism, the blade 32 is so introduced into fthe die and registered relative `to the sleeve 20 that the grooves 2l in the sleeve are in exact alignment with the two edges 38 of the mandrel. The wall thickness of the tubular die IIJ depends on the size of the wire to be coiled by the mechanism. Preferably, the thickness of the wall of the die Il! is slightly less than the diameterof the wire 50 so that when this wire is bent aroundfthe mandrel 32, an edge of the wire will extend-:through the groove I I.

.ai By. rei"erence togthe drawing, it will be seen thatgthegroove I Igzis vso formed as to extend .atananglecfwsubstantalln-59 relative t0 a Erlang:transversgofth@die? ret-.anengle 0f 30 relative to a plane extending axially 9f,.the die. when sffntshave:been made tefssae'geye 0f '.SuChsanglllLfWLDIOFLIIQ .tfhe pIeSent iinVI-I'IQQ f-itfhas been vfOLlnEl--that; the

this ausm-anw. hast-bufs@- great fe the passage along the groove of any wire, .verr-ne-Wirar 1t .Shoulezbeinoted. however end port-ien. .5I f Qfl the-F9951 Xlli -tiallyf atan angle of. ,452m @it or axial plane of 1 the' die. change: in engulatrfeffthftate the introduction of `lthrew ing groovef-Sincr-the-f Wrefwill groove. m0re;readi1y; whn 'the vg QQYQIAQf t .approaches aa-diretionargs When the wire 50, under.

*isparticularly"useiulf y, fthe mandrel isfasilbstant. 1ly;;lat-.straish .bladeelmorderfthat. the-,wire maybe adva .fthe forminadie mare readily,

mandrel, and since, as before pointed out, the Wire looped around the edges of the mandrel is of such size as to extend through the groove, the loops extend into the grooves 2I as shown clearly in Fig. 2. Thus, in addition to the normal advancing action of the mandrel itself, a cumulative advancing action is afforded by the sleeve which rotates insynchronism with the mandrel. Due to this coaction between the mandrel and the grooved sleeve, the friction which is set up is substantially overcome so that the wire advances as readily through the groove of the angularity shown as it will through a groove of substantially 45 or less angularity.

The shape of the wire emerging from the forming die is shown clearly in Fig. 1, wherein it will be noted that the angle between two expanses of the wire is substantially 120. When a wire so coiled has been woven into netting, the loops of the netting will be found to be substantially diamond shaped, being made up of two 120 angles and two angles. Such netting possesses many advantages over the ordinary square mesh netting heretofore manufactured, in that the netting can be used more advantageously for fence purposes due to the restriction of the horizontal measurements of the mesh (it being understood that the wire is woven from top to bottom of what is intended to be fence netting). Since this horizontal measurement can be materially reduced, it follows that a fence made of the wire affords less chances for foot-holds th-an the square mesh. Furthermore, with a given horizontal measurement of loops a saving in wire can be effected by utilizing the wide angularity of the forming die groove.

In the event it is undesirable to have the groove II of different angularities, a mandrel similar to that shown in Fig. 4 can be used. When this mandrel is used the groove may be of the same angularity throughout the length of the die. The mandrel 60 of Fig. 4 is provided with a twisted portion 6I which can be so positioned that approximately half of the twisted portion extends beyond the entry end of the die. Thus when a wire is fed over this mandrel and introduced into the groove, the looping of the wire is accelerated at the point of entry so that the wire assumes, in effect, the shape it assumes in a groove of 45 ngularity The entrance of the wire into the ye, is thereby facilitated.

While thejmandrel has been described as being 11a bladegwththe sleeve having grooves therein extending on udinally thereof in register with mandrel at the same time it he blade can be slightly f y.within the die, illib'e Icorrespondl( uchtwistingwith ,y anyactual twisting lof 1I?"WhCb-sWOtldfpml/ent .the .netting eing `sub'starx'vitiallyflat` When the ex,-

. n andrei withinthedie is straight,

` drel-beyondthe-end of luseofhe rot ti sleevefandthe advantmerein have: been yset forth par.-

With opposite grooves in alignment with the edges of the mandrel, it is also contemplated that the sleeve could have an uninterrupted inner surface, and could be stationary relative to the die. When the sleeve is stationary it is possible to use a die having a .groove of an angularity somewhat in excess of 45 provided some arrangement is used for facilitating the introduction of the wire into the die. Either one of the forms of devices described hereinbefore will serve this purpose, that is, either the change in angularity at the entrance end of the die, or the mandrel having a twist therein at the entrance end of the die, will serve to cause the proper introduction of the wire into the portion of the groove of angularity in excess of 45. When the sleeve is stationary, it is essential that the die have a Wall thickness slightly less than the diameter of the wire being looped. Moreover, the invention is adaptable for use in arrangements wherein tWo strands of Wire are simultaneously advanced through the same die, the only requirement being that the grooves be properly arranged for such purpose.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the present invention provides novel mechanism for producing looped wire netting in which the openings are of substantially diamond-shape. Such wire netting in addition to the uses and advantages pointed out hereinbefore also has pleasing ornamental effects. It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the illustrated embodiments but is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims.

We claim:

1. In mechanism for producing looped Wire netting, a tubular die having a spiral groove through the wall thereof and extending longitudinally thereof with at least the major portion thereof at a pitch in excess of 45, a mandrel extending through said die, a tubular sleeve member fitting around said die, and means at the entrance end of said die for facilitating introduction of a wire into the groove of the die.

2. In mechanism for producing looped wire netting, a tubular die having a spiral groove through the wall thereof and extending longitudinally thereof, a portion of the groove at the entrance end of the die being at a different pitch from that of the major portion thereof to facilitate entry of a wire into the major portion, a mandrel extending through said die, and a tubular sleeve member fitting around said die.

3. In mechanism for producing looped wire netting, a tubular die having a spiral groove through the wall thereof and extending longitudinally thereof with at least the major portion thereof at a pitch in excess of 45, a mandrelv extending through said die, and a tubular sleeve member fitting around said die, said mandrel having a portion thereof at the entrance end of the die twisted to facilitate the introduction of a wire into the groove of the die.

4. In mechanism for producing looped wire netting, a tubular die having a spiral groove through the wall thereof and extending longitudinally thereof, a mandrel extending through` said die, a tubular sleeve member fitting around said die and being provided with longitudinally extending grooves on the inner surface thereof, and means for rotating said mandrel and sleeve in synchronism.

5. In mechanism for producing -looped wire netting, a tubular die having a groove through the wall thereof and extending spirally longitudinally thereof, a substantially nat blade-like mandrel extending through said die, a tubular sleeve surrounding the major portion of said die, the inner surface of said sleeve being provided With longitudinal grooves aligned with the edges of said mandrel, and means for rotating said mandrel and said sleeve in synchronism.

6. In mechanism for producing looped wire netting, a tubular die having a groove through the wall thereof and extending'spirally longitudinally thereof, said .groove having an angularity relative to a plane cross-axially of said die greater than 45 throughout the major portion of the length thereof, and having an angularity not greater than 45 at one end thereof, a substantially flat blade-like mandrel extending through said die, a tubular sleeve surrounding the major portion of said die, the inner surface of said sleeve being provided with grooves aligned with the edges of said mandrel, and means for rotating said mandrel and said sleeve in synchronism.

7. In mechanism for producing looped wire netting, a tubular die having a groove through the wall thereof and extending spirally longitudinally thereof, said groove having an angularity relative to a cross-axial plane of said diel in excess of 45, a substantially flat blade-like mandrel extending through said die, said mandrel having a twisted portion adjacent the entry end of said die, a tubular sleeve surrounding the major portion of said die, the inner surface of said sleeve being provided with grooves in alignment with the edges of the mandrel, and means for rotating said mandrel and sleeve in synchromsm.

netting, a tubular die having a spiral groove through the wall thereof and extending longitudinally thereof with at least the major portion at a pitch in excess of 45, a mandrel extending through said die, a tubular'sleeve member fitting around said die, and means for rotating said mandrel and sleeve in synchronism.

9. In mechanism for producing looped wire netting, a tubular die having a groove through the wall thereof and extending spirally longitudinally thereof with at least the major portion thereof at a pitch in excess of 45, a substantially flat blade-like mandrel extending through said die, a tubular sleeve surrounding the major portion of said die, the inner surface of said sleeve being provided with longitudinal grooves aligned with the edges of said mandrel, and means for rotating said mandrel and said sleeve in synchronism.

l0. In mechanism for producing looped wire netting, a tubular die having a spiral groove through the wall thereof and extending longitudinally thereof with at least the major portion thereof at a pitch in excess of 45, a mandrel extending through said die, a tubular sleeve member tting around said die and being provided with longitudinally extending grooves on the inner surface thereof, and means for rotating said mandrel and sleeve in synchronism.

PARMENAS F. FROST. JOHN C. ANDERSON.l

8. In mechanism for producing looped wire 

